What is a haiku?
As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line
poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather
than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables.
It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional
Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5
syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure

I've used the prompts from this week's haiku to create a memorial for one of Africa's great sons; Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, 1918-2013, who passed away today at the age of 95. He paid a great price for his fight against the oppressive, racist Apartheid regime in his native, South Africa, spending 27 years imprisoned in a tiny cell in Robben's Island. Many believed he would never be set free and that Apartheid would end in a bloody war. In February 1990, he was released and started a new journey on the path to full liberation of all people in his nation.

Like many others around the world, I celebrated his freedom and rejoiced when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and when he became South Africa's first democratically elected Black President. His death brings great sadness to my heart. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world. If you'd like to learn more about the legacy of this great son of Africa, The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory has documented much on his life. Take a moment to visit the site. What are your memories of Nelson Mandela? I have added more below.

More Below!"A fundamental concern for others, in our individual and community lives, would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of." Nelson Mandela

What is Carpe Diem? Blog Owner, Kristjaan
Panneman, describes it as: "a weblog on haiku. It's a new daily haiku meme where you can write a classical or
non-classical haiku on a given prompt. Haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry
form. A haiku has three short lines and describes a short moment (as short as
the sound of a pebble thrown into water). Mostly a haiku counts 5-7-5 syllables
and is sometimes called 'counted verse."

As the year winds itself down, and the holiday season kicks into full gear, I hope we will all spend some time reflecting on the many events that have occurred around us this year. Let us take a moment or two to express our gratitude for the good, our forgiveness for the bad, and our prayers and compassion for those who have passed on. Let’s send our love and well wishes to all.

If you have not read/heard much about Nelson Mandela and the Apartheid regime that held South Africa hostage for many, many years, I'd encourage you to read his autobiography: Long Road To Freedom, and to visit his Foundation's website. You won't be disappointed; it is an inspirational education in the resilience and courage of the human spirit. Please say a prayer for Nelson Mandela and his family. May he rest in peace and may God's love and grace comfort his family.

Some Food for Thought: Do you remember the release of Nelson Mandela? Were you aware of Apartheid when you were a kid? If you could change one thing in the world in honor of Nelson Mandela, what would that be? Love and Peace during this holiday season in 2013!

Madiba was a man of courage and action. He gave his life for his people in South Africa and to end the Apartheid regime. He lived a full and productive life and I am grateful to have been a witness to his mark on history. Tata Madiba RIP... Hamba kakuhle! Enkosi kakhulu! Elizabeth

beautiful haiku tribute for a beautiful person... i love the line too where you wrote: "Let us take a moment or two to express our gratitude for the good, our forgiveness for the bad, and our prayers and compassion for those who have passed on." i personally will put this to heart and to practice. :)

TY Linnor, I take that to heart myself. There are so many of us who find it so hard to forgive, and it shows up in little nasty ways not always big ways, that the holiday season and the end of year is a good time to forge ahead with a new attitude towards all. TY! :-)

Nelson Mandela was and will always be a very respected leader whose spirit remained indomitable no matter how dark the times were. I hope we are able to carry forward his philosophy to make the world a better and all inclusive one for our children...

Link-Assistant.com

NaBloPoMo

BlogLovin'

Amazon Search

I Have Massive Sway

World Clock

Shop Amazon - Cell Phone & Service Plan

ToolBar

Target

About Me

Growing up on three continents has exposed me to people/places that are culturally rich and varied. My interests in learning, teaching and traveling continue to inform my work as a training specialist.
I have three blogs on three blogging platforms: I love writing my Blogger posts at: Positive Kismet - http://www.positivekismet.com/, my WordPress posts at: Mirth and Motivation - http://mirthandmotivation.com/ and my Tumblr posts at http://thehugginghearts.com/
I enjoy visiting other bloggers websites and encouraging them. Unless we reach out and connect with other writers regularly, blogging can be a somewhat lonely endeavor.
My family, friends, faith and colleagues have been instrumental to my growth as a writer/blogger. over the years, I've learned a lot and, as I continue to master my craft and learn new skills, I always remember to be grateful. Most importantly, I remember to support others.
For several years, I signed off with eof777 - an abbreviation of my longer full name and love of aeronautics - Elizabeth Obih-Frank and the 777 series. Recently, I decided to simplify and now use the shorter - Eliz Frank.
♥♥♥♥ Thanks for stopping by! ♥♥♥♥